Suggested Essay Topics

Suggested Essay Topics

Suggested Essay Topics

Suggested Essay Topics

Suggested Essay Topics

Suggested Essay Topics

How does Jody's sympathy for Gitano and his grandfather undermine his relationship with his father?

Why is the book entitled "The Red Pony?" Is "The Gift," the story of Gabilan the red pony, the most important and central story?

What evidence is there that Jody actually matures from story to story?

Is Jody mature enough to handle the "gifts" and "promises" his father gives him in challenging him to deal with horses?

Does Steinbeck give the reader much information about what goes on in Jody's mind? How does the limited information we have about Jody's improve the book. Does it keep the book from being overly philosophical? Does if force the reader to draw her or his own conclusions?

How do the stories themes of loss, growing up, and yearning for adventure relate to the setting of the American West?